NYS Music 20​14

Tag: SPAC

  • Phish at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, July 3rd – A Strangely Designed Setlist

    Maybe it was because the run began on a Thursday night. Or maybe it was because of the delayed gate opening from the round of thunderstorms that rolled through Saratoga just before the venue was to open, but the Latin phrase ‘Non sequitur’ for “that which does not follow” can easily be used to sum up the first night performance from Phish at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 3rd, 2014.

    Phish Saratoga July 3rd
    Photo by Jim Gilbert

    Expectations are always high when Phish comes to play at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Phans based in the Capital District consider SPAC to be Phish’s summer home venue. Even the band themselves have said as much in media interviews. With one night of summer tour already under their belt, a new album from which to showcase material from and rumors that few covers were to be played this tour, the hard-core phans question was ‘How would the band handle song selection and position?’ The answer: Rather oddly.

    The other oddity was drummer Jon Fishman’s scaled back drum kit with fewer cymbals, snare drums and the absence of the wood blocks under his hi-hat. Phish heads were lamenting the elimination of the woodblocks and various cymbals from which Fish draws distinctive sounds for certain songs like “Walls of the Cave”, “It’s Ice”, “Reba” and “Fluffhead”. Summer tour has just begun and already phans are in crisis mode: First, there may be no covers which traditionally serve as launch pads for exploratory jamming (think “Torn & Frayed”, “Cross-Eyed and Painless”, “Boogie on Reggae Woman”) and now the possible elimination of other songs from the repertoire because of the changes to the drum kit. Or perhaps new takes on old favorites from our favorite drummer with a less is more approach? You have to love a band that knocks you out of your comfort zone.

    Phish Saratoga July 3rd
    7/4/2014 Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY. Photo by Dave Vann © Phish. All Rights Reserved.

    We were certainly knocked out of our comfort zone with the odd selection of “Farmhouse” as the opening tune. First songs lay the vibe for the rest of the set and a slow tempo song about cluster-flies and swatting them on what was turning out to be a damp, cloudy, and foggy night did make for an unusual statement. “Wolfman’s Brother” was funky as usual but delivered at a sleepy relaxed pace as if the band was still warming their hands and fingers up from the lingering drizzle. The band seemed to pick up the tempo with “Maze”. It was jarring enough to get our attention but a little rough around the edges in the interplay between Anastasio and McConnell. Would “Maze” prove to be the launch pad for the rest of the set?, one that flows with synchronized dark nasty jams or would it continue to be a disjointed mishmash of singles? We got our answer with the sleepy reggae of “Yarmouth Road” and another song with lyrics about insects. So this means “Bug” is coming, right? Nope, “Strange Design” was up next. But it is clearly making sense. The set-list is just strangely designed so that is why they are playing “Strange Design”.

    Now that we are all feeling strange and sleepy about this set, Trey takes us to REM sleep with “Devotion to a Dream”, the first of four songs to be played tonight from Fuego. We are on a dreamy journey of the band’s 30+ year history. It seems to now be headed in the right, albeit strange direction which is beginning to seem by design . “Ocelot” begins the wake-up call and delivers with its usually jamtastic but too short ending. The alarm clock has sounded “Chalkdust Torture”. “Mound”, the dreamlike but awesome “Roggae” and “Possum” closed out an odd strange first set.

    Phish Saratoga July 3rd
    Photo by Jim Gilbert

    Set Two began with a 15-minute plus “Bathtub Gin” and a 12-minute plus “Limb-by-Limb”, which was by far the highlight of the evening. The almost half hour of music in Set Two’s first two songs makes up for the sleepy weird first set. Everyone is stoked for the energy to continue. But would “2001” make an appearance in the three spot? Nope, that’s a cover. Mon dieu and Merde! Instead, the second song from Fuego, “WinterQueen” bats third and allows those of us who danced and raged silly during the first thirty minutes to dial it down and catch a breath (not that we needed it after set I). My own personal feeling is that “WinterQueen” is a first set song and will hopefully find a home there. “The Line”, the third song from Fuego (for those readers unfamiliar with the story), is about basketball player Darius Washington, Jr., who as a freshman and Conference USA Rookie of the year and a 72% free throw shooter for the University of Memphis missed two of three free throw attempts during a game vs University of Louisville. Had he made all three attempts Memphis would have beaten the then sixth ranked Louisville Cardinals.

    “Tweezer”, “Prince Caspian” and the playful and fun “Sparkle” are always fun and frolicking, but a  not-so-special/best all time “Antelope” ended Set II. Phish returned to the stage and performed a two song encore: “Sing Monica”, which has a throw-back 60’s vibe to it ala the Beatles era, and Tweezer Reprise.

    phish saratoga july 3rd
    Photo by Jim Gilbert

    A brief recap of night one of Phish at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) would sound like this: Interesting song selection and placement in a definitely weird somnolent first set. The Fuego material is all worthy of being added into the rotation and the songs will find their homes. The show definitely left us with questions about covers, and how Fishman will get the same sounds in songs on his stream-lined drum kit. We definitely have something to talk about and ponder and as always the carrots were dangled that leave us wanting more. Just no clusterflies please.

    Phish, Saratoga Performing Arts Center – July 3rd, 2014

    Setlist
    Set 1: Farmhouse, Wolfman’s Brother, Maze, Yarmouth Road, Strange Design, Devotion to a Dream, Ocelot, Chalkdust, Mound, Roggae, Possum
    Set 2: Bathtub Gin > Limb By Limb > Winterqueen, The Line, Tweezer > Caspian > Sparkle, Antelope
    Encore: Sing Monica > Tweeprise

  • The Best of Phish at SPAC Top 10 Moments

    After 14 amazing shows since 1992, Phish is returning to SPAC on July 3rd, 4th and 5th to celebrate the start of their summer tour and America’s birthday in the process. We asked fans what some of the top moments of Phish at SPAC over the past 20 years were, and here are what they came up with.

    Phish SPAC 10) La Grange bustout 7/8/12

    After 13 years without the ZZ Top classic, SPAC was blessed with a set closing “La Grange” in a summer of bustouts.

    9) Massive storm just before the 8/16/09 show & Llama>Moma opener

    Maybe you got stuck in the downpour outside the gates, maybe you were lucky to be in the pavilion or under cover already when it hit. The rain was torrential and the Llama>Moma made up for it immediately.

    8) Tweezer Reprise opener/encore 6/19/10 

    Phish can be funny sometimes. Having not ended with Tweezer Reprise the night before, they opened with it at SPAC, and for some reason, closed with it too. Because why not?

    7) Harpua with ‘I Kissed a Girl’ 8/16/09

    This was a fun moment – getting a tour-ending ‘Harpua’ and Fishman singing a Katy Perry song. Only Phish.

    6) Sabotage  in honor of MCA 7/7/12

    RIP MCA

    5) Psycho Killer 7/6/12

    Amid all those bustouts in the summer of 2012 came one of the most sought after Phish covers, nestled comfortable inside a “Tube”

    4) Mike’s Groove 7/10/94

    Mid-second set went a little something like this: Mike’s Song -> Low Rider -> Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove. That monster Stash in the first set bumps this show up a few notches on principle alone.

    No video exists of this show, so enjoy some audio from Phishtracks.com

    3) DWD -> Free > Poor Heart > You Enjoy Myself 6/26/95

    Three ‘highly recommended’ jams, according to Phish.net, plus a little bluegrass mixed into the start of a monster second set, just as Phish was expanding into amphitheaters.

    2) ASITHOS > Piper -> Jibboo 6/19/04

    This show’s second set gives 7/8/12 a run for its money, and rightly so. Some of the finest jamming to come out of the 2004 tour, although that isn’t saying a lot. Still, this was a gem if you were there.

    1) The Entire Second Set 7/8/12

    This setlist pretty much says it all – nonstop playing for more than an hour. Oh and they encored with YEM. Easily one of the best if not the best Phish show at SPAC.

    Set 2: Axilla > Light > Twist > Kill Devil Falls -> My Friend, My Friend > Swept Away > Steep > Piper > Free > Kung > Harry Hood > Cavern > David Bowie

  • Catch Phish on the Net From SPAC

    Not going to be around this holiday weekend to catch Phish at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)?

    There’s still hope for you.

    Livephish.com will be streaming the three-day event over the Internet.

    Phish is coming to Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 3-5. One of the crown jewels of venues at which the ever-popular jamband will stop to perform during this year’s summer tour.

    It’s a developing trend for venues and artists to telecast their performances over the Internet. It certainly is a perk for those who are unable to obtain tickets, or simply can’t travel the distance to attend the show.  But, for those who can attend, should.

    For one, live events have an appeal that can not be replicated on a computer. And, another reason was reported by us back in June, when it was announced that the Putnam Den would host late-night shows at two locations: Putnam Den and The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs.

    The post-shows in Saratoga have become a destination after seeing Phish at SPAC, with up and coming bands, as well as local bands ready to burst onto the scene and keep fans dancing into the wee hours of the night. The lineup for this year’s post-shows is yet another installment of great music that shows the vibrant scene of Upstate New York.

    It’s to be expected that the group will be playing  some tracks from their most recent album, Fuego, which they debuted earlier this month.  Please be sure to read Myke Menio’s review of it here.

  • Goo Goo Dolls, Daughtry and Plain White T’s Rock Out Sunday Night at SPAC

    Goo Goo Dolls were joined by Daughtry and Plain White T’s at SPAC this weekend. The Plain White T’s came out to a very unassuming stage, a few blue and pink lights, no flashy LEDs or props.  The were there to make music and delight the ears with their essentially acoustic set. The Chicago-based band got to Saratoga early and Tom Higgenson (vocalist) decided to walk around the wonderful SPAC grounds. He took some video and photos of the springs and geyser. He asked the crowd if the geyser was real, and while it isn’t, the crowd led him to believe it is – so that’s the story he’s going to tell.  SPAC’s legacy continues to live on and another musicians top place to play. On stage, it was just the five guys playing, singing beautiful tunes to the incoming crowd.  Gates opened only 45 minutes before the set, so most people were stuck outside.  It is sad that people decide for whatever reason to miss the openers, or for venues to open gates up too late. Whether it is SPAC or a local venue, your favorite band started as an opener for someone. How cool would it be to be the one that discovered them that far back and you build that loyalty from the start. Those fan relationships are truly special and unique. The Plain White T’s did appreciate those that got inside early to hear them.  They dedicated their hit “Delilah” to the audience and changed the last verse to “Hey Saratoga, here’s to you.” After that a nice singalong of the chorus, followed by their other hit “Rhythm of Love.”

    Daughtry took the stage and the screams of the 30-something girls filled the air. A battle of Chris’s powerful vocals and the squeals of fan girls reveling in his American Idol glory. The sound was dead on and the energy wasn’t lacking at all. Even a bad joke, Chris pointing out that he was wearing a plain white t and said he supporting the band that just opened the show. Not too many laughs, so he followed up with a much funnier quip “Well, that went over like a fart in church.”  Outside on the lawn, the $10 upgrades that LiveNation occasionally offers helped fill the lower seats of the amphitheater and the lawn, as usual, was packed, even for a Sunday night. Daughtry played his favorite tune “Wild Hearts”, off the new album and the band’s fourth, Baptized, which had a distinctive modern-country flare.  There is a fine line and compromise playing the bands favorites intermixed with fans’ favorites from the past eight years. When the blasting drums of “Battleships”, the latest single, blew out from the stage, the imagery of a Battleships wasn’t hard to comprehend.  The added touch of the mandolin countering the heavy drum was well composed.  The set had few more songs, including “Home” dedicated to those who’ve served and who are serving. Daughtry knowing his audience, Volvo driving soccer moms, the set was comprised of mostly ballads and very little rock.  Overall it was a fine performance, but you can’t help to hope that Chris Daughtry finds his inner rock star once again and blows the roof of things.

    Upstate’s own Goo Goo Dolls absolutely rocked the stage with tunes spread over their past 20 years of success. A perennial favorite at SPAC, this was one of their strongest performances in years. Hits like “Iris”, “Slide”, and “Name” intermixed with some new songs and others sung by Robby Takac (bass). Robby’s tunes tend to be a little edgier and reminiscent of early days of pop-punk. The Goo Goo Dolls are now from California, but these Buffalo-bred rockers joked about New York still smoking pot at concerts. Commenting that in California people eat it, bake it, put it in pills, and shove it wherever they can, they don’t really smoke it nowadays because it’s so strong that you’d be high for five days. During “Come to Me”, a song John Rzeznik wrote for his wife was a good opportunity for a man in the front row to propose to his future bride (she said “yes”). This led to a humorous exchange with another woman up front, Kara, who was looking for love herself, Rzeznik described her as a voodoo hippie, the conversation continued sporadically throughout the rest of the evening. The proposal was followed by “Black Balloon” with the typical black balloons being tossed into the air. They were batted frantically toward the stage, where Rzeznik hit, or tried to at least, them away.  When he missed one, it actually interrupted his singing so he could laugh at himself.  The band played a new song “Caught I the Storm” that is worth giving a listen to if you remember the glory days of the band. It really is one of the best songs I’ve heard from the band in years and deserves a listen.  “Name” will be turning 20 next year and is further proof of the legacy the band had established for itself. From there the set finished itself out ending with fan favorite “Iris” and then a two song encore of “Sympathy” and “Let Love In.”

    Setlist: Lazy Eye, Dizzy, Slide, Big Machine, Rebel Beat, When the World Breaks Your Heart, Already There, Bringing on the Light, Come to Me, Black Balloon, Stay With You, Here Is Gone, Caught in the Storm, Feel the Silence, Name, January Friend, Another Second Time Around, Better Days, Slow It Down, Broadway, Iris

    Encore: Sympathy, Let Love In

  • Journey, Steve Miller, and Tower of Power Light up SPAC

    When Tower of Power took the stage, the amphitheater was still empty. The tailgating crowd outside didn’t quite understand what they were missing.  While Tower of Power isn’t a household name like Steve Miller or Journey, their talents are definitely on par.  The smart music fans were already in their seat when the show started and were blessed by waves of talent and soul a mile deep, drowning in goodness. Hits like “Soul Vaccination” and “What is Hip?” got even the band’s newest fans on their feet to feel the soul power overtaking Saratoga Saturday night.  Equipped with a new lead singer, Ray Greene, and the traditional line-up of saxes, trumpets, trombones, along with a solid backline of drums, guitar and bass, Tower of Power brings the energy and great music every night.

    After a short break, the Steve Miller Band came out to a setting sun and a growing audience.  Steve Miller sang all the classics, “Take the Money and Run”, “Abracadabra”, “The Joker” and more. Fans of all ages sang along with the master of his craft. Four generations were equally represented as it was GE’s Kids Night and youngsters under 12 got in free with an adult ticket. Even after nearly 50 years on stage, Miller brought lots of energy and even had a run-in with a bunch of released balloons.  He tried (and failed) to pop a couple, but did manage to kick a few out of the way.  It was all in good fun and the smile on his face and the crowd was a good indicator of the success of the evening.   Originally a blues man, evident by his tremendous skills on the harmonica and soulful voice, Miller delighted the crowd.  With songs dating back nearly 50 years (“Space Cowboy”, 1968) and majority of success in the ’70s, Miller continues to make great music. It was a rare summer in the ’80s or ’90s when the Steve Miller Band didn’t grace the SPAC stage. By the turn out, many loyal fans were glad to see him back.

    Journey’s lead singer since 2008, Arnel Pineda, with a haircut and a shave since the last time at SPAC, came out with so much energy it was intoxicating. Last time Journey played SPAC, Pineda looked more like an Elvis impersonator than the lead singer of the legendary band.  If served as a distraction to many, but this time around, it was all about rock ‘n roll and delighting the fans.  Thousands packed the full amphitheater and even more fans were located out on the famous SPAC lawn. The sound was spot on and while standing by the soundboard will typically give you chills at most venues, at SPAC it is truly magical. SPAC is the prize of Upstate New York concert goers and it is no wonder why so many musicians list it as one of their favorites to play.

    Jon Cain (piano) talked about writing the song “Faithfully” on a bus ride to Saratoga Springs in the early 80s.  He worked on the song into the night and finished it on a napkin in the morning over a cup of coffee. He played it for the first time every on one of the pianos backstage at SPAC.  When “Don’t Stop Believin’” started, no one was still sitting at this point.  Confetti cannons exploded and the place erupted into song. Everyone was singing in unison swaying left to right; people were even singing with new friends they had just met that night. To the left, right and all around. It was a truly electrifying moment. There was a very short break and then the “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” encore and barely anyone headed for the doors until it was over.

    Setlist: The Journey (Revelation), Be Good to Yourself, Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Any Way You Want It, Only the Young, The Star-Spangled Banner (John Stafford Smith cover), Stone in Love, “Mother, Father”, She’s a Mystery, Lights, Piano Solo, Open Arms, Ritual, La Do Da / Anytime, Guitar Solo (Jonathan Cain on back up keyboards), Wheel in the Sky, Faithfully, Don’t Stop Believin’

    Encore: Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’

  • Dave Matthews Band Springs SPAC Into Summer

    It’s summer time again in Upstate New York which means a couple of things: the weather is gorgeous, people are hiking in our state parks, and another season of concerts at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is underway. Jack Johnson may have had the first major show of the season, but on Friday May 30th, Dave Matthews Band kicked off a two night stand at the venue. A regular stop on the band’s summer tour, the nearly-sold out crowd was ravenous all evening, standing, singing, and swaying along to every song the band played through two sets.

    20140530 - Dave Matthews Band 10

    To start the show, Dave Matthews came on stage solo for a special acoustic set that is starting every show this tour. Stating how “It’s always nice to spend a weekend here in Saratoga” and that SPAC is one of his favorite venues to play, he went right into a cover of Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” for the first time since July 20th, 2012. After the song finished, the rest of the band took the stage and they went into a rousing rendition of “Two Step.” Ending the set with “Stay (Wasting Time)”, Dave stated that they would be back shortly for the electric portion of the evening.

    20140530 - Dave Matthews Band 16

    After about a half hour break, the band retook the stage with a full light show and everyone plugged in for what would be a great two hour set of music that spanned his whole career. The one-two punch of “Don’t Drink the Water” and “American Baby” had the crowd loud and engaged right off the bat. One thing that cannot be understated is the relationship the crowd has with the band. There are few other crowds that have the devotion and love for the Dave Matthews Band that his fans do. The double encore of “The Space Between” and “All Along the Watchtower” capped off a great evening of music. Now that the annual weekend of Dave Matthews has come and gone, summer is here and it’s looking to be a great one in Upstate New York.

    Set One (Acoustic): A Whiter Shade Of Pale, Two Step, Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd, What Would You Say, I’ll Back You Up, Tripping Billies, Sugar Man, Stay (Wasting Time)

    Set Two (Electric): Don’t Drink The Water, American Baby, #27, Belly Belly Nice, Lie In Our Graves, Rooftop, So Much To Say > Anyone Seen The Bridge > Too Much, Proudest Monkey > Warehouse, #41 > Granny, Grey Street

    Encore: The Space Between, All Along The Watchtower

  • Jack Johnson Owns SPAC

    The crowd at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was treated to a fantastic season opener with Jack Johnson headlining the show while Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros handled the opening duties. This was the perfect pairing for a great summertime kickoff party.  Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros conveyed their abnormal, genre bending sound to the masses which was very well received. Everyone was very into the 10+ piece band and were unable to stop themselves from dancing to the exotic fun sound.

    This set the table perfectly for the man of the hour: Jack Johnson. He too has a sound in which bends genres. Early on in his career Johnson was an acoustic surfer dude from Hawai’i who just played his guitar and recorded albums, while laying in the sun, enjoying a nice warm breeze. This, however was not the man who played SPAC on Saturday night. There was a full band, which is his steady touring band, and they jammed hard. Highlighting the evening was Johnson playing his lively “Bubble Toes” and segueing it into Buddy Holly’s classic “Not Fade Away,” a well-received surprise to any fan of any type of music. Johnson had the crowd in his hands the whole night, even as the rain began to fall.  If this show is any indication of how the rest of the SPAC summer will be, we are all in for some good times.

     

  • Here are Your Phish Post-Shows at Putnam Den and The Parting Glass

    Phish is coming to Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 3rd, 4th and 5th, and is proud to announce late-night shows brought to you by the Putnam Den at two locations: Putnam Den and The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs.

    The post-shows in Saratoga have become a destination after seeing Phish at SPAC, with up and coming bands, as well as local bands ready to burst onto the scene and keep fans dancing into the wee hours of the night. The lineup for this year’s post-shows is yet another installment of great music that shows the vibrant scene of Upstate New York.

    As a bonus, this year shows will be held at not one but TWO venues, located a very short walk from each other. See the map below.

    On July 3rd, the hardest working band in the North Country, Lucid, takes the stage at Putnam Den. Careening across the musical spectrum as a V8 blend of genres, Lucid’s sound emerges from a blend of jazz, rock, honky-tonk blues and reggae. Always a Den fave, Lucid gets the 2014 Putnam Den Phish after-party series off to a rollicking start. Tickets are $10. Pick them up here. At The Parting Glass, catch Dead Sessions, a super-group of Vermonters covering the musical of the Grateful Dead. This show has sold out in recent years, so get tickets early!

    July 4th brings us not only America’s birthday, but also Vermont Night! After celebrating our independence and the music of Phish at SPAC, come see Vermont’s Twiddle at Putnam Den and/or Waylon Speed at The Parting Glass.

    Twiddle, a Vermont based quartet, spins tall tales over an intricate soundscape of hi-def shred. Their fresh multi-genre approach conjures up jazz, classical, and bluegrass, but above all, masterfully blends reggae and funk.

    Waylon Speed’s genre is Underground Outlaw Dirt Rock, while the Washington Post has said, “Waylon Speed is a cross between Metallica and the Lumineers, with an unnecessary dash of Prince showmanship.” Not sure what to make of that? Pick up tickets to both shows and check out Twiddle AND Waylon Speed!

    Tickets for this show at $10 each, or pick up tickets to both for $15 and go back and forth between the two shows!

    Pick up Tickets for Twiddle and/or Tickets for Waylon Speed

    On Saturday, July 5th, two rising stars in the jamband world perform late-night shows. At Putnam Den, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will take the stage at midnight, while The Parting Glass will host Albany’s Formula 5.

    Based out of Baltimore, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (PPPP) has an undeniably unique and versatile live sound that combines funk, rock, and electronic with intense energy from their improvisational jams, bringing a party with their danceable electro-funk grooves. Opening for PPPP is Richard James & The Name Changers, a Boston-based rock band with a piano driven, song-oriented sound that appeals to adventuresome music lovers with genre bending tastes and a desire to dance.

    Formula 5, Albany’s biggest jamband, will headline at The Parting Glass, celebrating the recent release of their sophomore album Edging on Catastrophe, bringing their funk-infused jamming to Saratoga. Their live performances combine elements of funk, jazz, rock and more to their own original music. Formula 5’s ever-changing melodies with familiar sounds and catchy lyrics are enough to turn anyone into a lifelong fan.

    Tickets for this show at $10 each, or pick up tickets to both for $15 and go back and forth between the two shows!

    Pick up tickets for PPPP and/or pick up tickets for Formula 5

  • 2014 SPAC Concert Season Line-Up

    The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) turns 48-years old this July, and still looks like a knockout for a summertime affair in 2014.

    SPAC continues to be the seasonal home of the New York City Ballet, as it was when it first opened back on July 9, 1966.  But, today it works in partnership with Live Nation to coordinate one of the most anticipated schedules in contemporary music for all the Northeast.

    The following is a rundown of shows scheduled to appear at SPAC this summer:

    Scott_Harris_SPAC_1024px

    SPAC 2014 Summer Schedule

    May 24, 7:30pm: Jack Johnson with Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes
    May 30, 7pm: The Dave Matthews Band
    May 31, 7pm: The Dave Matthews Band
    June 7: FLY-92 Summer Jam featuring Jason Derulo, MKTO, Icona Pop, NONONO, Hot Chelle Rae, AJR, R5 and Timeflies
    June 14, 6:45pm: Journey with the Steve Miller Band and Tower of Power
    June 15: Goo Goo Dolls with Daughtry and Plain White T’s
    June 24, 7pm: Fall Out Boy with Paramore and New Politics
    July 3, 7:30pm: Phish
    July 4, 7:30pm: Phish
    July 5, 7:30pm: Phish
    July 16, 8pm: Sarah McLachlan
    July 19, 8pm: James Taylor
    July 23: Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival with Aveneged Sevenfold, Korn, Asking Alexandria, Trivium, more
    July 25, 7:30pm: Lionel Richie with CeeLo Green
    August 3, 7pm: Rascal Flatts with Sheryl Crow and Gloriana
    August 4, 7:30pm: The Moody Blues
    August 5, 7:30pm: Kiss with Def Leppard
    August 10, 7pm: Kings of Leon with Kongos and Young the Giant
    August 17, 7pm: Luke Bryan with Lee Brice and Cole Swindell
    August 19, 7:30pm: REO Speedwagon with Chicago
    August 24, 7:30pm: Zac Brown Band
    August 26, 7:30pm: Motley Crue with Alice Cooper
    August 29, 7pm: Jason Aldean with Florida Georgia Line
    August 31: Steely Dan

    Returning to the grounds will be FLY-92’s Summer Jam, and Rockstar Energy Drink’s Mayhem Festival. The two shows continue to use the popular outdoor venue to host their events, which always include several acts.

    Albany’s Top-40 station promises Jason Derulo, MKTO, Icona Pop, NONONO, Hot Chelle Rae, AJR, R5 and Timeflies to take the stage on June 7th.

    On July 23rd, Mayhem Fest is slated to introduce Saratoga to a different culture, as heavy metal giants Aveneged Sevenfold, Korn, Asking Alexandria and Trivium lead an invasion that is sure to include an arsenal of power riffs, manic drums, and plenty of head-banging.

    Perhaps the most anticipated acts to take the stage this year have earmarked both holiday weeks (Memorial Day week, and July 4th week).

    The Dave Matthews Band has been a SPAC favorite for nearly 20 years, and will treat fans to two nights on May 30th and May 31st.

    Then, things get hairy for July 4th.

    Phish, and their legion of followers, expect to take over Saratoga for a three-day span covering July 3rd through July 5th.  The shows will follow in the footsteps of the band’s first album release in nearly five years.

    Motley Crue, the legends of metal, announced their final tour earlier this year.  They appear August 26th, in what promises to be their last show at SPAC.

    All tickets are available online, or by calling 1-800-745-3000 or visiting the SPAC Box Office.

  • Great Music Festival Moments, Part 1

    Festival season is upon us, and with that comes 5 months of music and memories in some of the best locations for live music in the nation. As we prepare for our coverage of music festivals this summer – more than 40 across the country and Canada – we asked our staff to revisit some of the great music festival moments that they have experienced. Here are some of those moments.

    Jeremiah Shea: My greatest experience came just last year at Night Lights Fall Music Festival in Sherman, NY.  Even though the music was incredible and it was my first time seeing Marco Benevento, the highlight was the setting in which it took place.  The festival is known for it’s light show, not on stage, but throughout the venue and the woods surrounding it.  The team that coordinates the festival does an installation of about a mile or so of LED lights scattered throughout the forest where it takes place.  With multiple stages setup, I was treated to an amazing walk between sets of trees lit up in multiple colors, illuminated walkways, and an obvious show-stealing overall exhibit.  I now plan on attending every year regardless of who is taking the stage as that is always held to just as high of a standard as the entire production.

    great music festival momentsPete Mason: When I attended The Hangout in 2012, Sunday had a great afternoon lineup at the Chevrolet Stage – Mavis Staples, Steve Winwood, then The Flaming Lips, who were set to perform Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. I stayed put at that end of the beach the entire day, and while the full day was awesome, it was the Lips’ set that made it one of the greatest festival experiences ever. During “Us & Them”, I looked on my phone and saw that an eclipse was taking place momentarily on the other side of the world. I saw images coming through as “Brain Damage” started and as they went into “Eclipse”. As if those lyrics weren’t already some of the best ever, hearing “All that is now and all that is gone and all that’s to come and everything under the sun is in tune but the sun is eclipsed by the moon” was one of the most awesome feelings ever. You know those chills you get despite sweating? I had a rush of those for a few minutes afterward, and any time I hear the song in the future. I can never disconnect the memory of that day at Gulf Shores. The song will never be the same again.

    Jimmy Chambers: In 1999, my first non-Phish festival, I was at Gathering of the Vibes. I was enthralled by all the different bands and art and people. It was a truly monumental experience but the one moment that would change my life forever happened early on Saturday as I was walking to my car and to my right was the main stage, where I heard music that was different and better than anything I had ever heard before in my life. It was the Disco Biscuits. 15 years and 65 shows later, I still feel they are the best band out there. That is a festival moment that will live with me forever.

    Lindsay Jones: One of my best festival memories was Umphrey’s McGee, Bonnaroo 2006. It was a late show and I was flying solo that night. The set was high energy from the get-go, but when the band broke out into The Beatles “Baby You’re a Rich Man”, one of my favorites, I knew that night was special. As Umphrey’s transitioned into a funky version of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2”, it seemed that the crowd was grooving and moving as one, all dialed in. We were all singing along as “Brain Damage/Eclipse” grew to its climax, and I was absolutely overcome by emotion, bursting out into happy tears. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Marc Brownstein and Aron Magner of the Disco Biscuits and Joe Russo and Tom Hamilton were all on stage contributing to this musical masterpiece. I was just happy to have been there.

    Carly Knaszak: My greatest festival was Uproar Festival 2011 at Darien Lake, NY. My friends and I got there early just to see what merch they had out and what bands would be playing early. The headliners were Avenged Sevenfold and Three Days Grace. My friends and I walked into the venue and we saw a stand that was selling Three Days Grace CDs and we approached and saw if you bought their Life Starts Now album, you would be able to have the band sign it for 5 bucks. We bought the CDs and had the experience of a life time meeting Three Days Grace with their former singer, Adam Gontier. Avenged Sevenfold stole the show when they came on with opening with ‘Nightmare’ and ending with the oh so famous, “A Little Piece Of Heaven’. I came out of that concert with a few bruises, a sore throat, ears ringing and the greatest concert experience, ever.

    Garrett Woodward: Watching The Dead play the sunset set on the 4th of July. It was a surreal moment to stand on that grassy knoll‚ amid tens of thousands‚ and realize everyone (everything) here is a result of the magic created by a band formed some 44 years ago. The angst and beauty associated with traveling to catch that perfect show‚ the effort to drive dozens of hours in hopes of a correctly guessed opening melody‚ the lifestyle and reality‚ the entire goddamn reason I‚ and all in attendance‚ conduct our lives grew out of our unrelenting love for the Grateful Dead. Before I knew it‚ a handful of teardrops rolled down my cheeks during “US Blues‚” as fireworks exploded over the stage‚ celebrating not only the independence of this great land‚ but the independence and progressive nature of those surrounding me. “Wave that flag‚ wave it wide and high‚ summertime done‚ come and gone…”

    great music festival momentsAmy Lieberman:  My favorite festival moment had to have been back in 2010, at the Gathering of the Vibes, a lovely gathering on the beach at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This festival always seems to have an all-around positive vibe hanging over it the entire four days, probably due to the fact that this festival was created to provide a forum for music lovers and appreciators to channel the spirit of Jerry Garcia, which is really what attracted me to want to attend the event in the first place. On top of the obviously amazing shows put on by Furthur, Primus, Jimmy Cliff, and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, my absolute favorite moment of the festival was when Jackie Greene made a surprise guest appearance at the “Teen Scene” stage, where he joined the group of talented young musicians who happened to be playing on the stage after Jackie’s main stage act! I have to admit (and I’m sure I’m not the only one out there), I am a huge admirer of Jackie Greene, but I tend to get extremely starstruck. Well, I managed to work up the courage to tell him what I’ve always wanted to tell him, which was “Your voice makes my heart melt,” and got my photo snapped with him! That was definitely a major highlight of my festival-going years, not to mention my entire life!